Blizzard CEO apologises for Hearthstone Hong Kong controversy Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Blizzard CEO apologises for Hearthstone Hong Kong controversy "We didn't live up to the high standards we set ourselves." News by Emma Kent Contributor Updated on 1 Nov 2019 79 comments BlizzCon's opening presentation just kicked off, but before diving into any of the details on new game announcements, Blizzard CEO J. Allen Brack took a moment to address the company's recent controversy over the suspension of a Hearthstone player for expressing pro-Hong Kong views. "Blizzard had the opportunity to bring the world together in a tough Hearthstone esports moment a month ago, and we did not," Brack told the audience. "We moved too quickly in our decision-making, and to make matters worse we were too slow to talk to all of you. "When I think about what I'm most unhappy about it was two things - first, we didn't live up to the high standards we set ourselves and the second, we failed in our purpose. For that I accept responsibility and I am sorry. "So what exactly is our purpose? BlizzCon is demonstrating it even as we speak. We aspire to bring the world together in epic entertainment, and I truly believe in the positive power of the video game. When we get it right, we create a common ground where the community comes together. To compete, connect and play. As an example, BlizzCon has people from 59 countries at the show today - and that is amazing, is the positive power of video games." Brack also seemed to address the ongoing protests currently taking place outside the Blizzcon building, in which protesters are currently handing out Free Hong Kong t-shirts and holding banners (along with a few Winnie the Pooh costumes - an anti-China protest symbol). "We will do better going forward, but our actions are going to matter more than any of these words. As you walk around this weekend, I hope it's clear how committed we are to everyone's right to express themselves, in all kinds of ways, in all kinds of places. I've actually seen and heard many of you expressing yourselves this morning! "Once again, Blizzcon has brought us together, and you're going to see a lot of the hard work of the Blizzard team." Someone actually did it pic.twitter.com/LhtwniyOYd- Lt. Eddy (@LieutenantEddy) November 1, 2019 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings The Freedom Hong Kong protest at #blizzcon pic.twitter.com/4dkATqSMvZ- alessandro fillari (@afillari) November 1, 2019 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings Blizzard's previous statement on the Hong Kong controversy shied away from an apology, but reduced player Chung "Blitzchung" Ng Wai's suspension from one year to six months. As of yet there's no word on whether this will be altered further, but accepting responsibility may well be the first step in rebuilding Blizzard's strained relationship with its community. Whether it'll be enough to calm down the Hong Kong protests at BlizzCon is another matter. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 11 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Sennheiser's legendary HD 599 open-back headphones are just £70 at Amazon in the Prime Early Access Sale Comfortable with neutral sound and a wide sound stage. Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. 1 Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store